The incident happened at Castle Hill Primary School in Brockworth, Gloucester, which has "healthy school" status.

Mrs Williams said: "After Courtney had gone to school, I had a call from the headteacher asking me for £3.50 for her lunch money.

"I promised her I would take the money in between 11am and 12pm, but asked could they make sure Courtney got her dinner. They assured me that was fine.

"I went down to the school, but unfortunately I didn't get there until after 1pm. When I gave the money to the cook, I was told my daughter had been given bread, water and a banana.

"Courtney was also really upset that she was made to sit with her friends while they all ate a hot meal of rice and fish and a dessert. Eating dry bread is just not on."

Courtney said: "It was very embarrassing when I took my plate up to get some food with all the other children and they just handed me another plate with dry bread on it.

"I was quite upset. I had to sit and watch everyone else eat proper meals and I just had some bread and an old banana with a black skin."

Mrs Williams, a single mother, said it was difficult for her to pay for the week's meals for her daughter on Mondays.

"I used to work as a domestic assistant at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, but I gave in my notice after my mother died last October and I'm unemployed at the moment," she said.

"I am expected to pay on Mondays, but I don't get my tax credit and benefit till Wednesdays. I would have thought the school could understand that and make allowances." Courtney is not eligible for free school meals because her mother's income support application is still being processed.

The school headmistress, Sue Rowlinson, said they had tried their best to help Mrs Williams and find a solution to the payment problems, and would continue to do so.

She added: "We have, on numerous occasions, provided meals and accommodated late payments from this parent. We would never allow a child to go hungry.

"However, the policy of our school meal provider, Sodexho, clearly states that payment for meals must be made in advance and they will be unable to provide a meal if payment is not received.

"Our main concern is always the heath and wellbeing of our pupils.

"We have tried to come to an arrangement with this parent to accommodate any difficulties she may have in paying for the meals at the start of the week.

"We will continue to try to find a way forward to everyone's satisfaction."